Mazda upgrades 155mph superhatch

Mazda’s scorching 155mph Mazda 3 MPS super-hatch has been upgraded for the 2013 model year with even more head-turning looks to complement its incredible performance.

The new Mazda 3 MPS, priced at just £23,995, now has a new gunmetal finish for the 18-inch alloy wheels. Mazda has also finished the new inner roof spoiler, door mirrors and lower rear bumper in sleek Black Mica paint.

The Mazda 3 MPS is one of the hottest hatchbacks on sale, with the 260hp 2.3-litre MZR DISI turbo petrol helping it reach 62mph from rest in just 6.1 seconds. It has a 155mph top speed – and it’s so potent, even this has had to be electronically limited…

To control the power (and useful 280lb ft of torque at just 3000rpm), Mazda sensibly fits a standard limited slip differential. The front brakes are also a mighty 320mm in diameter.

Meanwhile, to ensure it sounds good, dual exhaust pipes are also fitted – but these have been set up to give a 10dB noise reduction when the car is revving at more than 5000rpm to reduce noise pollution.